PMAA Releases Year-End Priority Report

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA) today issued a year-end update regarding progress of its 2012 priorities.

PMAA set forth goals in 27 different areas. Among those topics on the priorities list was the $1 biodiesel tax credit, which was reinstated in the bill that averted going over the "fiscal cliff."

However, the fiscal cliff aversion agreement also caused a setback for one of PMAA's other goals. The 45-cent-per-gallon ethanol blender's tax credit and ethanol import tariff expired on Dec. 31, 2011. PMAA supported an excise tax extension for E-85, but the measure was not included in the fiscal cliff agreement.

Speaking of ethanol, PMAA said it has been working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to find a cost effective solution to the four-gallon minimum purchase provision required when dispensing E-10 from retail E-15 blender pumps. The EPA is considering a provision that would require a dedicated E-10-only pump at retail outlets offering E-15. PMAA continues to oppose that proposal.

Also on the list was commercialization of rest stops. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) attempted to attach a rest stop commercialization amendment to the Senate Highway Bill. However, the measure failed following heavy PMAA and coalition grassroots opposition.

Another item on PMAA's agenda that directly affects convenience store operators is The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. In 2014, companies with more than 50 employees will have to pay stiff penalties if health insurance is not provided to everyone who works 30 or more hours per week. PMAA stated it will aggressively lobby the new Congress, sworn in today, to repeal Obamacare because the law is "uniquely unfair to petroleum marketing and c-store companies."

Other c-store related goals put forth by PMAA in 2012 fought for the best possible interchange fees, opposing unwarranted new payment card industry (PCI) compliance mandates, and easing the regulatory burden c-stores face regarding menu labeling.